Charting the trials and tribulations above and below stairs at the aristocratic Crawley family's estate, Downton Abbey has won fans across both sides of the Atlantic. Julian Fellowes's lavish drama has triumphed at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs and Primetime Emmys, and Maggie Smith's portrayal of Violet Crawley, the forthright Dowager Countess of Grantham, has been repeatedly recognised at awards season.